THE RETURN: THE N'DEUP HEALING CEREMONY

This video documents an African approach to treating
mental-health issues by showing the communal healing
process used by the Wolof in Senegal. The diagnosis is
made by a traditional healer, a shaman, whose job
is to locate and then placate the spirits, the rab,
which are responsible for the illness. The N'Deup healing
ceremony enlists the local community under the direction
of the healer. Drumming, dancing, and herbal cures are
employed in a dramatic effort to soothe and appease the
agitated spirit troubling the patient.

Subjects & Collections

Reviews

"...a remarkable film...professionals and students in the human services, who are desirous of becoming our shamans, will find the film intriguing and humbling.” —Catherine P. Papell, MSW, DSW, CSW, Professor Erita, Adelphi University School of Social Work

"fine, interesting film of a healing ritual in an African culture. Well edited, and compelling in its use of participant commentary and scholarly discussion.” —Eric Greenleaf, Ph.D., Director, The Milton H. Erickson Institute